Vulnerable populations

August 17-25, 2018

Trip cost:
US$2,100

Travel to Lesotho, a small country within South Africa, where you will partner with future homeowners as they seek strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Habitat is serving the community through this unique program that builds shelter for a family of orphans and their caretaker.

The Orphans and Vulnerable Children Project is Habitat’s response to the AIDS/HIV crisis in Africa. After your team builds a simple house, Habitat staff will provide the children with health education, legal assistance, and support to ensure that this solution is a long-term improvement.

This trip includes time for you to reflect, relax and be inspired by volunteers who are a lot like you. In addition to building in the community, Habitat staff will show you around Lesotho so that you truly experience life in southern Africa. The team will stay at a modest, comfortable lodge or guesthouse in double-occupancy rooms with private bathrooms.

On the build site you may mix mortar, move bricks, install windows and doors, pour cement floors, plaster walls and other tasks as you work alongside local, skilled masons.

Itinerary

Friday: Depart. Grab your packed bags and head for South Africa!

Saturday: Arrive. Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa, where you’ll be greeted at the airport by Habitat staff. Meet the rest of your team and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Sunday: Learn. Travel with your team to Maseru, Lesotho. Habitat staff will brief your team on their work in the region and how they are supporting communities in the area.

Monday-Thursday: Build. Spend time on the work site with free time and team reflection in the evenings. Enjoy breakfast and dinner at the hotel or in local restaurants with lunch, snacks and plenty of water on the build site throughout the day.

Friday: Celebrate. Head back to the work site and continue building until noon. Celebrate the week’s work with a dedication ceremony.

Saturday: Explore and goodbyes. Before departing South Africa later in the day, explore Johannesburg through a local tour of craft shopping. Your journey in Africa may continue independently or you may depart for home.

Leading this team

Sarah Reddinger is originally from upstate New York but has been living in Maryland for the past eight years working for a local Habitat affiliate.

When asked why she’s excited to lead this team, Sarah reflected, “I believe that every person deserves to live with dignity in a decent home that they can afford. I lead Global Village trips because you don’t just build homes, but you also bring hope. It’s such a pleasure to work side by side, not just with families and communities, but also with other volunteers willing to fly across the world to serve. I’m looking forward to this trip and I hope you consider joining us!”